Chapter 8

"An Interview with a Vampire"

Part 2 of 3

September 11th, 2014…12:16am

"Well, what to do now?"

I closed the front door behind me, I let this mysterious rumoured being into my house. I know that he's…well not normal or mortal as I should say and I know this isn't a good idea either but, what else am I suppose to do?

Just then I got a slight buzz in my head.

"What the…?"

I then turned to look at him.

"Did you do that?" I asked.

"Did what?"

"I just got the strangest buzz in my head, and it's not the normal kind of buzz after when you've had a few drinks."

"…"

I crossed my arms, looking sternly at him. "Don't lie to me, I know I felt it coming from you, there's no one else in this room besides us so you must've done something to me."

Sonic gave a heavy sigh. He knew he couldn't lie to this man, he already knew pretty much what he wanted from him, questions and answers. He had to come clean at least somewhat.

"Ok, ok, I tell you whatever you want just as long it doesn't get me exposed."

I nodded. "Proceed"

"I, have these powers which I can read minds with."

I was slightly shocked at what he just said, but it makes sense. "So you have a telepathic ability then, mhm, well I see, that explains it. "

"Mhm, maybe since I'm going to be here a while anyway, I can ask him for that favour, if he can help me that is. I just have to do what he says, and when the time's right, I'll do it, then hopefully he'll be able to trust and understand me and what I mean. Just go with the flow, Sonic."

"Look, I'm not here to hurt anyone or cause any harm, I…I just wanted a favour"

I was somewhat intrigued, a vampire hedgehog asking me for a favour, how peculiar.

"A favour huh?" I put a finger to my chin. "Well, I find that pretty strange coming from someone like you." I put my thinking cap on for moment.

"Alright, tell you what, I'll help you if you let ask you some personal questions about yourself?"

"…I, guess that's fair. Just what do you want me for exactly?"

"Nothing special, just something I'm planning to do in the future."

"Oh I see"

Just then, I heard footsteps coming from upstairs.

"Darling, is that you?"

'Crap'

I guess she heard us from upstairs, I panicked a little and quickly rushed to the stairs, to spot her at the top of the railing.

"Yes, dear I'm here"

"Oh, thank god you're here, I was worried about you for a little bit, what's with the noise down here, who are you talking too?" She said coming down the stairs.

'Oh god, how to put this in a nice, not frightening way…'

"I was, uh…"

She looked behind me and saw our little 'guest' standing a few feet from us.

Sonic nervously chuckled, and gave a little awkward smile and wave.

Cassandra widened her eyes, she was somewhat startled and uneasy.

"Um, dear, w-who's this?"

I felt anxious and hesitant. 'How am I going to tell my lovely wife here that we now have a rumoured vampire in our house, who turns out to be actually real?"

"Maybe this will give you an idea"

I grabbed a small photo from my pocket and handed it to her.

She examined the photo closely.

Something felt off as she looked up again towards the now-real vampire hedgehog standing before her. Something about this picture did feel and seem familiar to her, but wasn't quite sure how to believe or put this.

She snickered under her breath.

"Um, dear, what's so funny?"

"Uh, is this some kind of joke dear, cause if it is then that's a really good one, either that or I'm still sleeping right now."

I sarcastically joked back. "Heh heh, does this feel like a dream to you now?" I grabbed her hand and pinched her skin.

"Ow! Ow! Ow!" She dragged her hand away. "Ok, that definitely felt real…wait a minute…" Then she looked again to where the hedgehog was, he was still standing at the same spot he was, arms crossed, curious as to what the hell was going on.

"Wait, if that pinch I felt was real then…he must be real too."

Sonic snickered too under his breath, trying not to let out a big laughing scene.

"Nice job figuring out, maybe you should open your eyes more, you'll see better."

She felt offended, and enraged as she growled under her breath a little at his insult. "Watch it, I have a silver cross and I'm not afraid to use it."

Sonic stepped back when he heard that. She was about to go at him but I shielded her to not get close.

"Woah, easy there darling, he's just joking"

He put his hands up in defeat.

"Y-yeah, what he said"

She sighed in frustration. "Alright fine, but if he tries anything, then he's going to get it a taste of it. What's he doing here anyway?"

"He, uh…" I turned to him, he nodded, telling me it's ok to tell.

"Well, this is going to sound silly but, h-he's asking us for a favour."

Her arms crossed, Cassandra raised her eyebrow in confusion.

"A favour? From us? That's oddly peculiar coming from someone like him. What for exactly?"

"Don't know, but were going to find out as soon Theo gets here."

Cassandra sighed and sat on the bottom step of the stairs. "Alright then I guess, but what are we going to do for the time being?"

"…"

I then looked up the stairs and then at him.

"He'll have to take cover upstairs for now while we wait for Theo to come."

"Mhm, that's not bad to do. But, he'll have to stay back as to not be seen, for now."

I nodded in agreement. I looked back at him, who had his arms crossed, his eyes darting around the place, curiously.

I cleared my throat to get his attention. "Ahem" He then darts, his back to the two us.

"Sonic, right?

"Y-yeah"

"Listen to me carefully, this is what's going to happen…"

Sonic's ears perked up to listen.

"…As soon as my friend gets here, we'll get started, right after a 'hopefully, not so freakish, proper introduction' of course."

"Uh, that, sounds alright I guess"

"Good, you can go hide upstairs in the meantime to hide yourself, just until I tell you to come down."

He nodded. He made his way towards the stairs, Cassandra moved over and up he went.

Cassandra put an intriguing gesture on.

"Mhm"

"What is it dear?"

"W-Well, I just think that, wow, asking us for permission and a favour, very strange but polite at the same time, almost what a gentleman would ask. A handsome one to be precise. I'm kind of impressed, maybe I misjudged/underestimated him."

"Mhm"

I actually have to agree with her on this one. I have to admit, for someone who's been like this and lived this long, he is a quite handsome young man.

"Yeah, to be honest, I almost/kind of feel the same too, not 100% though. Let's us get through this little transition/session first, I'm curious to see what this favour of his is."

They continued to watch him go upstairs until he was completely out of view, and then they waited.

~~~
Meanwhile upstairs…

I gotta admit, they have a pretty spacious place here, especially the hallway.

It was kinda empty up here to be honest though, except for the big chandelier that was hanging off in the centre by the stairs there. And the two glass windows with white curtains hanging on them. Along with it was sitting a little glass table with fake cherry blossoms, sitting inside a glass vase, plus two white candles sitting on top of two silver candleholders, one on each far side of the vase, and to add it up, a little white ceramic owl sitting slightly beside the vase. Other than that it was empty and echoey up here.

There were 4 rooms in total, two on the left, and one on right, with a silver sparking letter 'V' plastered in the centre…

…Also another door on the right, which was slightly wider and smaller compared to the others. Maybe a storage closet or something like that, I don't know.

Mhm, I assume that must be Vanessa's room where stays when she comes to stay here. I turned around…well speaking of her.

At the corner of my eye, I noticed above the little table was a nicely framed picture of a group of people all grouped up together, posing and smiling for the photo being taken, Vanessa being one of them, front and centre.

I couldn't help but interestingly put my finger on it.

'Mhm, I have to admit, for a girl who's filthy rich and not my type, she's quite the catch…'

'…I, just hope she is too…I just hope that this will work out perfectly, I just have to be myself, be honest, and not mess this up.'

~~~
September 11th, 2014…12:47am

Cassandra and I were in the same spot as we were before waiting for Theo to come, he should be here soon.

A knock on the door was heard.

I quickly went to go answer it. Theo was standing in his pajamas. Maybe, this was a bad time to call him, especially at this hour.

"Pierre"

"Thanks for coming on such short notice, I apologize if I woke you."

"Oh, don't be, had a load of caffeine today so, I'm not really tired."

I chuckled at that last comment as I went to go close the door…

"Wait!"

I opened the door again to see Aurora rushing in as well, she was in her pyjamas too.

She was slightly panting. "Sorry, I couldn't sleep either, wanted to come tag as well, I hope you don't mind?"

"Oh no, no, of course not. Your more than welcome too." I said as I went to go close the door this time.

"Alright, now then, what's this urgent matter that we had to come rushing for Pierre?"

Cassandra and I looked at each other, trying to figure out how to respond.

"Uh..w-well, we don't how to put this but, y-you're gonna find this quite funny actually…"

"Ehehe, oh yeah, you're definitely gonna laugh at this, and think were crazy or something."

Theo and Aurora looked at each other, shrugging their shoulders and giving off eyebrow raises.

He sighed. "Pierre, what's going on?"

I sighed, I looked at Cassandra, nodding me to give permission.

"Well, as you know, the rumours about the mysterious blue blur, who claims to be you know who's grandson, who people claim to think that he's an actual vampire roaming around the streets for god no one knows why, has been spreading like wildfire for god who knows how long and, well, it has come to my attention that, well indeed…those rumours, are indeed true.

The couple between them looked at each for a moment, before snickering out out loud.

"Ah, Pierre, as always you amuse me with hysterical jokes." Theo said.

"B-but, I'm not joking around Theo, I wish I was but I'm not. I swear."

"He's right, he's not messing around, it's hard to believe something like this has occurred, even I thought it was a joke at first, but it's not." Cassandra said, with some serious tone.

They kept snickering until they looked up at them, they suddenly stopped.

"Uh, heh, why are you looking at us like this is a serious matter?" Aurora sweat dropped

"That's because it is!"

They were slightly in shock, from what they're saying, this must be serious.

Really, serious.

"Oh, ok, well then." Theo's never seen Pierre so serious about something before. But if he's saying what he thinks he's saying, then this must be an urgent matter that must be taken action into, pronto.

They both cleared their throats.

"Apologies for our silly behaviour." Aurora apologized sincerely.

"Pierre, if what you're saying is true, then how can you be so sure that he is actually real?"

"Yes, he could be anywhere right now scurrying/roaming the streets of Paris, and you don't have any proof whatsoever."

"Actually, I do. Ahem!"

That was my call to him, cuing him to come down.

They looked and gasped to see a blue hedgehog with golden eyes, wearing a black cape coming down the stairs. He stopped at the last few stairs below him. Cassandra and I stepped aside to make them have a better view of him.

"There! Full, actual non-breathing proof."

They were slightly dumfounded and taken aback, not just at what they were just looking at, but whom.

"I-I…oh my gosh, Pierre! I-I didn't even believe you for a second, your right. I'm so sorry, please accept my apologies." He slightly bowed his head to express his sincere regret.

"B-But, how is this even possible?!" Aurora said, somewhat astounded/astonished.

"I know, I'm bewildered as you are my dear."

"Don't worry, he's not here to hurt us. So were safe at least."

"And how do you know that he's not planning on attacking us any time soon?"

This made Sonic feel somewhat offended and ashamed. Be he looked more miffed and crossed.

"Does it look like I'm going to do anything?"

They all looked at him perplexed, he didn't show any signs of attack or harm, whatsoever.

While looking at him, his eyes, a look of trust can be seen on him, knowing that he wasn't planning on doing anything accept for that favour he possibly wants me to do for him. Other than that, no sign of danger here.

"Well then, I'm convinced." Aurora said quickly.

"You are?" I said, somewhat astounded and confused.

"Yeah, I gonna have to agree with her on this one. I mean, this is quite the shock, yes, but also very astounding."

Sonic felt a little flattered by his comment.

"Uhh…alright then, well, further more, I think that's a good enough introduction, am I right dear?"

"Yes, sir"

The couple turned their heads and nodded, ready to go.

"Alright, shall we get started then?" I turned to Sonic.

"I'm ready whenever you are."

The five of us were all in the living room, with the four of us one side, Theo and I on the couch, Aurora sitting on the edge next to Theo and Cassandra sitting on the edge of the other couch next to me, both ladies having cups of hot tea in their hands, while Sonic's sitting across from us.

I had one of my notebooks and a pen, so I can write down and take notes on anything, in this case, this right here was important so I definitely had to write as much information as I can.

"Now Sonic, before anything happens at this point, I just want to let you know that I'm not pressuring or forcing you to do anything, all I'm looking for from you, is that you just be yourself, be honest and truthful. There's no right or wrong answer here, that's all I ask."

'I was gonna tell him to breath calmly and slow, but immediately almost forgot that he can't actually breathe. Almost whoops' I sweat dropped in my head.

With some confidence built up in him, he nodded, preparing and readying himself for whatever was about to come.

"Ask away"

"Alright then, first question…What is your full name?"

"Sonic Maurice The Hedgehog"

"Your date of birth?"

"June 23rd, 1400"

"Do you mind just briefly telling me about yourself?"

"Well, besides being, this…" Addressing him as his vampire self. "I was born an only child, my parents having me at quite a young age. And even though I was part royalty, I've always acted and did things like any other normal being would do, having friends was one of them, hanging out and having fun with them, was one of the many things I enjoyed back in the days of my youth. Just a part of that always made me feel alive and free…"

Flashes of Sonic's childhood popped into his head, him and all of his closest friends just hanging around, either in the village, the castle or in the forest near the small village they were in. Having a good, fun time…laughing, running, chasing each other, that included everyone he knew, including her.

This made Sonic oppressed and dejected.

A source of guilt and remorse hit us all. But he let it go for now and continued on his answer.

"…But really, overall, I'm just some who loves to be free spirited and adventurous. I'm that kind of person who'd be willing to do anything and go out of their way to protect the people he loves. I was well known for being very compassionate, kind-hearted, generous, having a strong sense of justice and a love for nature, freedom and adventure."

Everyone's spirits were sort of lifted, now absorbed again by this, especially knowing the fact that his personality similarly describes a 'certain' someone they know too.

Based on from what I'm hearing so far, his demeanour sounded very easy going, cool and carefree. Plus some cockiness in his attitude.

"I have to be honest Sonic, your answers are quite fascinating so far I have to say." I said.

"Oh, uh, thanks!" He scratched his head, somewhat proud and relieved.

"Just a few more questions to go."

"Go on" He informed me.

"What abilities do you possess besides the one used on me?"

'I already told the others before hand that he used it on me already, which kind of freaked them out a little but they fully understood what happened afterwards.'

"I have lots that I possess, the usuals being super strength, super speed, ability to fly, with the process of turning into a bat first…"

Everyone was in both curious shock and in awe at the same time.

"…Increased senses, and immortality of course."

"…Uh, is anyone else finding this really interesting and odd at the same time?" I asked, feeling somewhat the same way.

The three adults beside me raised their hands in unison.

Well, that answers that. "I figured. Uh, anyway, Sonic, please continue…"

Sonic suddenly felt awkward about this, catching their reactions on what he can do, especially on the whole 'turning into a bat' thing caught their attention.

"Eheh, right…anyway, besides those powers, I've also been reading and learning about other powers which I didn't hear or even heard of before, psychometry, being one of them."

Everyone was engrossed by his answer. He answered before I had the chance to ask.

"It's the ability to read the history of any object by touching it."

Fascinated, everyone was now mumbling to themselves about this new ability they haven't heard before either.

"Also, there's another one which, I don't want to talk about right now."

Mhm, something tells me if I ask him, then it's just gonna be difficult for him to answer and say why. I was curious still, but didn't push him to do it. I'll ask later.

"It's ok if you can't answer it, we'll come back to it later."

Sonic nodded.

"What was your grandfather like? I'm sure you admired him a lot."

"H-he was…"

Sonic stammered at the question. He hardly ever talked about Jules, not that he's forgotten about him or anything but…I didn't know that it was going to be that difficult for him.

A part of me almost felt really guilty. For treating him so poorly, accusing him of plotting to attack us…with the exception of him spitting that little insult to Cassandra earlier, which she almost jumped at him for.

…but more or less, I felt, sympathetic for him. We all did.

"Look, Sonic, if you don't want to answer this question…then, you don't have to if you want."

"I-I'm ok, really. It's just that, I hardly ever talk about him, that's all."

I put my pen down resting on my notebook, lowering my head down regretfully and sorrowfully. "Sonic, I know and understand what its like to lose someone very close to you, we've all lost someone who we cared and admired for so much. Cassandra and I both suffered losses just around this time last year…"

Sonic's ears perked up when he heard that.

"O-Oh, I, didn't know that."

"Y-Yes, we both lost each one of our parents that time. My mother passing away from being very ill for awhile, and Pierre's father, just passing away days later from a heart attack." Cassandra lowered her head in woe.

Sonic felt mournful grief come upon him, he wasn't the only one that suffered, they've went through tough losses as well. But his was far more painful to endure.

"I…I'm so sorry, for what happened, for what you went through. You have my condolences." Expressing them out to the married pair across from him.

"Same to you." I nodded.

A small smile came upon Sonic's mouth, thanking them.

"What you've been through was extremely painful and depressing, scary even. Yes, we get that, but you can't let that stop you from being and suffering like this. Don't you have anything or something that at least comforts you and makes you somewhat happy."

"Well, I do have some comfort that helps me out, my cat Midnight. He's a black young stray I found just a few years ago, out and around in the late fall. He's been making me somewhat more happy actually, he helps the bad days and nightmares of me go away, he's basically my comfort zone at this point. I just love the poor thing so much, he's all that I have right now. But…it's not the same as talking and spending time with an actual being like me and you. Which by the way, is kinda actually involved in some part of the favour I want to ask you later on. "

"Oh…ok then, we'll get to that soon."

"Uh, anyway…about my grandfather. H-he was just the best. Always ready to take action, he would speak with such authority, he was always willing to help in need, very brave, loyal, prideful, had such a kind heart. Not a day goes by without thinking about him, my family, my friends…"

"So, in other words, you have more of a 'good day, bad day thing going on."

"Y-yes"

"I see, so your almost depressed in some way?"

"And, kinda glum too, sometimes"

"Look Sonic, we've all experienced and went through these types of emotions sometime in our lives, we still do. And yes, it's not a good thing, not everyone likes being in those states, but we have to let it go at some point. We have to move on from it, think positive and prepare for what's ahead."

Sonic thought about it for a moment, he then slightly looked up at us.

"Yes, your right! I'll try to be more keen, bold and hopeful more often as I can."

"Well then, glad to you sound confident, I guess that moves us to our last question. Now this one, I want you to be completely truthful and honest about it, ok?"

Sonic nodded, readying him self up.

"How old are you?"